Lord Shiva performed his Ananda dance in Chidambaram and
Perur, Aajaba in Tiruvarur, Gnana Sundara in Madurai, Oordhva in Avinashi, and
Brahmma Thandava in Tirumuruganpoondi. Sage Durvasa performed severe
penance in this place seeking the Ananda Thandava darshan of Lord which he
granted to sages Vyakrapada and Patanjali. He brought the rare Parijatha
flowers from the celestial world and made this place dense with these
trees.

He also made a Shiva Linga and installed it under the
Parijatha tree and created a spring. He built the temple with the divine
sculptor. Hence the place has names as Parijatha Vanam, Tharu Vanam and
Karpaga Vanam according to scriptures. Pleased with his penance,
Lord granted the Brahmma Thandava darshan to the sage. Kalari in
Tamil also means dance. Hence, this place is called as Thirukkalar.

Lord also is praised as Kalarmulai Nathar. Lord granting
the Brahmma Thandava Darshan to Sage Durvasa is depicted in the
temple. Sage Durvasa appears with folded hands in a worshipping
form. According to scriptures, Durvasa performed the first consecration of
the temple.

Lord Murugan
as Teacher:

Lord Subramanya taught the Panchakshara Mantra (mantra
of five letters – Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Yah) to 60,000 sages and Sage Durvasa in
this place only. Valli and Deivanai are not with Lord Subramanya as he
graces in the temple as a teacher-Guru.

Jeeva
Samadhi of Kovilur Pontiff:

The Jeeva Samadhi-monument of Kovilur pontiff, His
Holiness Veerasekhara Gnana Desika Swami is near the temple. Swamiji had
rendered many renovations to the temple. He is praised as Thirukkalar
Andavan.

People
worshipped Shiva here:

Sage Parasara, Kala Bhairavar, Durvasa Muni and Kalava
had worshipped in this temple.

Place
for Salvation:

It is believed that the prayer of one in the temple of a
family will ensure the salvation of all members.

Ketu
Parihara Sthalam:

Those under adverse aspects of the serpent planet Ketu
pray here for relief.